The Layman's Guide to modding Openxcom maps

General Info To make changes to the original map set or to create completely new map set, there are several things you need to be aware of.Each Battlescape is made up of multiple map blocks ( the usual sizes of which are 10x10 OR 20x20 - some exceptions do occur) of a certain type ( EG: jungle, urban, farm etc.) . In the original (DOS) game data all the Map files are stored under C:\UFO\MAPS. For openxcom, it is C:\OPENXCOM\DATA\MAPS. If you view this directory you will see all the original Map blocks listed.Each Map block is made up of several Terrain types that each have a File Type of .MCD/.PCK/.Tab , Most maps use several of these to generate one map set, for example the "Urban (Terror Site)" map block Set uses "Roads,Urbits,Urban,Frniture " to provide all the terrain you see in a Terror Mission. All the Terrain data is stored in C:\UFO\TERRAIN (or C:\OPENXCOM\DATA\TERRAIN) The ".MCD" file controls the Items' Properties. for example: How strong is it, Does it generate light, will it explode if i shoot it. The ".PCK" stores the image for the Item The Tab does something , just dont ask me :)Also each map block has Spawn points to generate the aliens' and Civilians' starting positions and what patrol route they can travel on around the map. All the Spawn points data for all map blocks are stored under C:\UFO\ROUTES (or C:\OPENXCOM\DATA\ROUTES)At this point you should of had a quick look in your xcom install directory just to make sure you can identify all the files i listed above. For a Technical explanation of how this all works follow this link to the UFOpaedia article as i am not the bloke to be asking...

Software Required

Mapview, this will allow you to modify the original game maps using an easy to use graphical interface. Once you're more experienced, you can create extra maps into each type and even load in your own .MCD/.PCK creations for new items. Follow this link to download.

PCKView, is a piece of software that lets you replace most of the games graphics with your own creations. If you don't like the original Lamp in the Terror sites , create your own Sprite and save over the original image using this software.Follow this link to download.

MCDADD Allows you to copy tiles from one tileset to another, for map editing purpose.Follow this link to download

MCDEDITAllows you to change the statistics of any map item ( the items strength, do they generate light, cost to move over them , explode when shot etc) , change the sprite image cycle for animated tile , the Line of fire Models ( these Create objects for the bullets to hit on screen). This program is needed to make the finishing touches to your map creations ( only needed if your creating new map items ).

EXE splitter: Splits your CE game executable in the same way as XcomUtil (without installing XcomUtil).

BB's Mod Pack: A small collection of mods for UFO, including a custom uniform manager (which also works with TFTD), extra inventory art for the power armor and aliens, and the appearance of X-COM craft within base defense missions. Contains "addon" data for integration into XcomUtil 9.7+.

ComboMod: Play UFO:EU and TFTD together as one game!

LOF Terrain: Creates terrain art that better represents the 3D models that make up the map.